Contest for 'Notable contribution to the preservation of the Armenian identity'

“Best Armenian media outlet” category

Yerevan, 2010

RA Ministry of Diaspora and the World Armenian Congress announce the annual contest entitled “Notable contribution for the preservation of the Armenian identity” for Diaspora Armenian media.

The contest is open to any media outlets that have at least three years of work experience and focus on preservation of the Armenian identity, the Armenia-Diaspora partnership, Armenian national, cultural and educational issues, publish or provide articles, background information, programs and series of programs relating to the mentioned topics.

Materials published in 2009 are presented during the contest.

There are 4 categories:

- Priest Harutyun Shmavonyan Award for the Best Print Media
- Hovhannes Adamyan Award for the Best Television Program/Station
- Hakob Meghapart Award for the Best Radio Program/Station
- Hrant Dink Award for the Best Online Media

Those wishing to participate in the contest, must send the following to the contest committee by March 30, 2010:

1. Application form for participation.
2. Summary of activities for preservation of Armenian identity.

For more information, please call or send an e-mail to the following addresses:

RA Ministry of Diaspora
26/1 Str. V. Sargsyan, Yerevan, 0010
E-mail: info@mindiaspora.am
Telephone:
+(37410) 58 56 01-109
+(1 818) 480 6740

The terms and conditions for participation can be found on the following websites:
RA Ministry of Diaspora: www.mindiaspora.am
World Armenian Congress: www.armcongress.org
“Hayern Aysor” electronic newspaper: www.hayernaysor.am

Contest Committee

Please disseminate this information to other media outlets.

Long time Azad-Hye contirbutor Carlos Jose Bourdjian invites  all the readers to attend the opening ceremony of his photography exhibition "Love ... 100% Unconditional"

Sunday, 28 February 2010, at 05:00 p.m.

Location: Art River Cafe-Gallery, Villat street, opposite Saint Mary (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) Armenian Church in Aleppo, Syria.

Duration of the exhibition is one month.

he Armenian Communities of Asia Minor from Adabazar, Bursa, and Banderma to Kutahia and Konia will be featured at UCLA on Saturday, March 20, 2010.

This is the 18th and final conference in the international series, “Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces,” sponsored by the Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in Modern Armenian History and organized by Professor Richard G. Hovannisian. The program will be held on the UCLA campus in 1200 Rolfe Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
 
Among the presenters is Mr. Osman Koker of Istanbul, editor and publisher of Mr. Orlando C. Calumeno’s extensive postal card collection depicting the Armenian communities of the Ottoman Empire a hundred year ago and before. His illustrated talk on Saturday morning is titled “From Banderma and Erminikoy to Armash: Armenians of the Marmara Region.”  This presentation will be complemented in the afternoon sessions with that of Ms. Ruth Thomasian of the Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, “Armenian Communities of Asia Minor as Seen through the Photograph.”
 
Others on the program include Prof. Richard Hovannisian, with an overview of the Armenian communities of Asia Minor; Prof. Peter Cowe of UCLA on the Konia community during the Seljuk period; Ms. Dawn MacKeen of Los Angeles on Adabazar; Mr. Ara Melkonian of London on Bardizag; Dr. Barbara Merguerian of Boston on Laura Farnham and schools for Armenian girls in Adabazar and Bardizag; Dr. Hasmik Khalapyan of Yerevan State University on the role of the theater among the Armenians of Asia Minor; Dr. Arpi Vardumyan of the Matenadaran in Yerevan on the Armenian musical culture of Kutahia; and Prof. Simon Payaslian of Boston University on the demise of the Armenian communities in Asia Minor.
 
The conference is supported by the UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies, Center for European and Eurasian Studies, Bob and Nora Movel Fund, and the Organization of Istanbul Armenians. It is open to the public at no charge. Parking is available in lot 5, entrance from Sunset Blvd at Royce Drive (between Westwood Blvd. and Hilgard Ave, with a fee). Limited free street parking is available on Hilgard Ave. and on Westholme Ave. between Hilgard and Warner.

For additional conference information: hovannis@history.ucla.edu
 
Photography: The Armenian Monastery and Seminary of Armash.

Սիրելի հայրենակիցներ,

Իր կազմակերպչական աշխատանքներու ծիրէն ներս, վարչութիւնս որոշած է հանդիպում մը կայացնել բոլոր հայ երիտասարդ-երիտասարդուհիներու հետ, քննարկելու համար իրենց գաղափարները և առաջարկները՝ աւելի եւս աշխուժացնելու ընկերային և ազգային գործունէութիւնները:

Յիշեալ հանդիպումը տեղի պիտի ունենայ Չորեքշաբթի, 24 Փետրուար 2010-ի երեկոյեան ժամը 8-ին, Ալ-Ռաուտա Քոմբաունտին մէջ (E-Ring):

Հրաւիրուած են բոլոր հայ երիտասարդ-երիտասարդուհիները:

Քաթարի Ազգային Վարչութիւն

Thursday, February 25, 2010 – 6 p.m.
Matossian Gallery – Mugar Bldg.
Kantari- Beirut

Armen Topjian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 20, 1950. 

A graduate of the Armenian Evangelical College, at the age of eight Armen was struck with polio and had to interrupt his schooling for a few years, however, by sheer will-power and perseverance, he was able to return to school and complete his education. 

He proceeded further to study English Literature at Haigazian College and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1975. 

The polio had claimed the use of his right arm, but Armen had switched to use of his left hand.  He started drawing sketches and pencil drawings, and eventually developed an eye and a talent for caricatures.  While in high-school, he published a booklet depicting caricatures of the teachers of the Armenian Evangelical College which he dedicated to all his teachers on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.

At Haigazian, Armen was active in various committees, and was the Editor-in-Chief of the college yearbook Focus.

Armen passed away in the United States in 1980, where he had gone to undergo treatment.

Announcement by HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY

The new issue of the Armenian Review (volume 51), titled “Armenia(ns) and Civil Society,” was released in January 2010.

Some of the articles that appeared in this latest volume:

Civil Society for whom and for what?
Asbed Kotchikian & Susan Spice

(Re)Claiming the Emancipatory Potential of Civil Society:  A Critical Examination of Civil Society and Democracy Building Programs in Armenia since 1991
Armine Ishkanian

The Limits and Opportunities of Civil Society in Conflict Resolution: The Case of Nagorno-Karabakh
Irina Ghaplanyan

The New Media Democracy: Electronic Media’s Influence on Armenia
Eleeza Vorperian Agopian

Whose Space, Whose Interests? Clashes within Armenian Diasporic Civil Society
Sossie Kasbarian

And other articles, essays etc.

About the Armenian Review:

The Armenian Review is an English language, multidisciplinary, peer reviewed journal published since 1948 and dedicated to exploring issues related to Armenia and Armenians. Articles dealing with countries and themes other than Armenia and Armenians are welcome if they have a comparative approach or elucidate the Armenian experience. The Armenian Review is currently published twice a year: in May and in November.

Photo: The cover of the 51st issue of the Review.

Website: http://www.armenianreview.org/

Raffi Hovannisian to Deliver the Keynote Luncheon Address

SAVE THE DATE

To provide an opportunity for policy practitioners, academics, and the public to discuss Armenia-Diaspora relations—perspectives on and approaches to the present-day challenges facing the Armenian nation—Policy Forum Armenia (PFA) will hold its 2nd Annual Forum in Washington, DC on February 28-March 2, 2010.

For its 1st high-level Forum on the global economic crisis, held in Yerevan on May 25, 2009, PFA brought together an unprecedented line-up of academics and policymakers from Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and UAE, including Armenia’s five former Prime Ministers, to discuss the implications of the crisis for Armenia and help devise policy prescriptions to mitigate them.

As in the 1st Forum, the 2nd (Armenia-Diaspora) Forum will gather a large number of intellectuals—academic and public policy practitioners—to discuss challenges and help devise new modes of engagement between Armenia and its Diaspora.

Day 1 of the Forum (February 28) will be held at the Cosmos Club, Washington’s premier venue for social and policy events, and will feature the presentation of PFA’s Report on “Armenia-Diaspora Relations: 20 Years Since Independence.”

Day 2 of the Forum will be held at Georgetown University. This part of the Forum is open to the public, and we invite you to join us in Washington for a full day of deliberations on this important issue. We are very pleased to inform you that Mr. Raffi Hovannisian, Armenia’s First Foreign Minister, will deliver the keynote luncheon address on Day 2 (March 1).

The program for Day 3 (March 2) is limited to only young professionals and will include thematic meetings with various international agencies and public and private organizations in order to continue the discussion on Armenia-Diaspora relations and offer young professionals opportunities to network in Washington.

A detailed agenda will be circulated within days. For comments or questions related to the 2nd Forum and to RSVP for Days 2 and 3, please email forum@pf-armenia.org. To register media presence, please email exrelations@pf-armenia.org.

March 20, 2010, Saturday, 9:30-5:30
 
The Armenian Communities of Asia Minor (Adabazar, Bardizag, Ismid, Bursa, Armash, Kutahia and others near the Sea of Marmara)
 
1200 Rolfe Hall, UCLA No admission fee.

www.map.ucla.edu

Sponsored by the AEF Chair in Modern Armenian History,
with support from the Organization of Istanbul Armenians.

For information, e-mail Prof. Richard Hovannisian at hovannis@history.ucla.edu

The world famous trio recently brought out a CD dedicated to Arno Babadjanian and Dmitri Shostakovich, an exceptional performance, which should be enjoyed by all music lovers.

You can purchase the CD by visiting www.khachaturiantrio.com (purchasing link is found under “Trio History”).

The CD is recorded at Aram Khachaturian House-museum in Yerevan, Armenia, on June 2009.

You will find all necessary information about the Trio in the above website.

Khachaturian Trio is planning to give concerts in London, Paris, New York an LA in May 2010.
 
Kind regards,
 
Assadour Guzelian
Sponsor of CD

Read also: New CD by Khachaturian Trio dedicated to Arno Babajanyan

Website: http://www.khachaturiantrio.com/

The Century Old Armenian Relief Society, Inc. wishes You a Happy and a Prosperous New Year

2010 marks the Centennial Year of the Armenian Relief Society, Inc. (ARS).

On this occasion, we will be periodically sending electronic newsletters to individuals and organizations interested in the ARS's humanitarian and charitable operations.

Website: http://ars1910.org/

Armenia's global high-tech industry business and conference

November 5-8, 2009, at the Fairmont Hotel, San Jose, California

Connect with Armenia’s Emerging High-Tech Industry
Explore Investment Opportunities

The Republic of Armenian officially adopted ArmTech Congress as its global high-tech industry business conference and platform.

ArmTech Congress is designed to further the success of Armenia’s high-tech industry, a priority in the country’s progressive economic development program. ArmTech Congress ’09 strengthens the cooperation and collaboration among the high-tech and business communities in Armenia and Diaspora including, USA, Canada, Western Europe, S. America, Russia and Middle East, and examines the challenges and opportunities for the high-tech industry in a dynamic global economy.

Most importantly, ArmTech Congress ’09 establishes a platform that assists Armenia’s government, companies, academia and related organizations to prepare a global environment supportive of this strategic industry in general, and showcases Armenia as a viable, emerging high-tech destination.

ArmTech Congress ’09 takes place in the heart of Silicon Valley, highlighting the synergy and connections between the region that is technology’s acknowledged world leader and Armenia’s drive to become a top high-tech destination.

The four-day conference program includes session tracks addressing critical high-tech industry and business topics, and renowned keynote speakers including:

The Honorable Tigran Sargsyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia
The Honorable Nerses Yeritsyan, Minister of Economy of RA
Joe Simitian, California State Senator
Dr. Chi-Foon Chan, President and chief Operating Officer of Synopsys Inc.
Daniel Mahoney, President & CEO, Renesas Technology America

In addition to plenary sessions, the conference features parallel track sessions: All supporters of the Republic of Armenia’s passion to become a high-tech destination:

- Software Industry & Services
- High-tech business professionals
- Telecommunications & Internet
- Foreign investors
- Renewable & Green Energy
- Venture capitalists
- Microelectronics Design & Test
- Government agencies and NGOs
- Investment Projects
- International trade & outsourcing executives
- Higher Education & Research
- Digital Media
- Biotechnologies
- Engineering/Instrumentation Design
- Advanced Materials
- Professional Networking

How Can You Benefit from the Conference?

- Network with global high-tech leaders & innovators
- Connect with peers from around the world
- Learn from conference tracks & social events ·
- Enjoy Armenian culture and food
- Experience the ArmTech awards program

Visit the website: www.armtechcongress.com

October 29-30, 2009, Yerevan

The “Euro Caucasian Congress of Cardiology” will be held on October 29-30, 2009 in Yerevan under the auspices of the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia and the “France-Armenia Health Action” organization.

The aim of the congress is to identify and consolidate the potential of all Diaspora Armenian cardiologists in maintaining the health of all Armenians in Armenia and the Diaspora, as well as contribute to the development of medicine.

The congress will also contribute to the cooperation between cardiologists of Armenia and the Diaspora, the perfection of professionals and exchange of innovative approaches.

Taking into account Armenia’s leading role in the field of cardiology in the region, the congress will bring a new sweep in further cooperation between cardiologists of the region.

Applicants may submit their applications and receive further information on our websites at www.mindiaspora.am and www.hayernaysor.am.

Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia

Schedule (PDF format, 3 pages, English)

Official invitation (PDF format, 1 page, English)

Poster is available here: http://www.euroccc.com/

Letter of protest in relation with the pre-signed Armenian-Turkish Protocols, issued by Iraqi national bodies on 07 October 2009.

The letter is in Armenian and is signed by:

1) Barouyr Hagopian, Chairman of the National Council.
2) Boghos Mihranian, Chairman of Baghdad's Armenian Youth Union.
3) Shakeh Ardzivian, Chairman of the Iraqi Armenian Ladies' Cultural Union.
4) Vahe Mihranian, Chairman of the Armenian General Athletic Union.
5) Kerovpeh Mouradian, On behalf of the Executive Council of Rejineh Agheksanderian Committee

Dear President Sarkisyan:

Armenians, represented by the President and Foreign Minister of the Republic of (Eastern) Armenia, are facing a new and tough diplomatic ordeal with Turkey – an experienced and difficult adversary - which has come out on top in all of its previous diplomatic negotiations.

You must fittingly assess your decision Mr. President, putting the subject matter of negotiations between the Republic of (Eastern) Armenia and Turkey up for discussion amongst Armenians in the homeland and around the world – to learn the most Armenian-friendly option.

Read the full text (in PDF format)

DEFENSE COUNCIL OF WESTERN ARMENIA
P.O. Box 8022
La Crescenta, CA 91224 U.S.A.
www.western-armenia.org
Email 

04 September 2009

On 21 September 2009, the Defense Council of Western Armenia issued the following announcement (1 page, PDF format, in Armenia).

Davit Sargsyan

The National Library of Armenia, the largest and most important library in the Republic of Armenia, has issued a call for donations of all recent books published in the diaspora. In 2012, it will be celebrating 500 years of printing in Armenian, and will be preparing many different programs and exhibitions. For this purpose, it hopes to fill the gaps in its collections.

The National Library is the equivalent of the Library of Congress in the United States. It is the storehouse of the wealth of the Armenian people’s knowledge and creativity. It holds copies of books published worldwide from 1515 to the present, as well a periodicals, works of music and art, and other items. At present, its holdings number 6.5 million items, making it the largest library of Armenian works in the world. It is also a center for scientific, cultural, informational, and educational activities.

By donating books to the National Library, Armenians—not only in Armenia, but worldwide—can become aware of and have access to various authors. And this will lead to the study of their works and contribute to their international reputation.

The National Library enjoys good working relations with the great libraries of the world, as well as with many organizations, Armenological centers, and individuals. This gives it the opportunity to introduce Armenian books and culture around the globe, and in exchange to receive many valuable publications from various countries. Nonetheless, Armenian- or foreign-language Armenological publications dealing with Armenian history, literature, culture, and other relevant topics are issued in so many countries and places that they do not always reach the homeland. This is a serious shortcoming for the library, its readers, and of course, publishers and authors. The National Library is thus asking for your help.

It is asking individuals, libraries, and organizations to please send any Armenian- or foreign-language publications—including books, magazines, newspapers, maps, or albums—to the National Library of Armenia, Director Davit Sargsyan, Teryan 72, Yerevan 375009.

For more information, visit www.nla.am, which has an English-language variant, or email Alisa Adamian, director of exchanges and foreign relations, at armnatlib@mail.ru

(an exhibition on Armenians in Turkey 100 years ago)

Սիրելի Եղբայրս - Sireli Yeghpayrs

ՀԱՅԵՐԸ ԹՈՒՐՔԻԱՅՈՒՄ 100 ՏԱՐԻ ԱՌԱՋ
ՕՌԼԱՆԴՈ ԿԱՌԼՈ ԿԱԼՈՒՄԵՆՈՅԻ ԲԱՑԻԿՆԵՐԻ ՀԱՎԱՔԱԾՈՒԻՑ

ARMENIANS IN TURKEY 100 YEARS AGO

POSTCARDS FROM THE COLLECTION OF ORLANDO CARLO CALUMENO

Սեպտեմբերի 15-28, 2009 թ. – Կինոթատրոն Մոսկվա – Աբովյան 18, Երևան

September 15-28, 2009 - Cinema Moscow – 18, Abovyan Street, Yerevan

Ցուցահանդեսի նյութերը պատրաստված են Օսման Քյոքերի և
Բիրզամանլար հրատարակչության կողմից

An exhibition by Osman Koker and Birzamanlar Yayincilik

Exhibition leaflet:  

Press Release

From September 2, 2009 an International Academic Conference on the Armenian Genocide and International Law will take place at Haigazian University, Beirut-Lebanon.

Organized by the Haigazian University and the Armenian National Committee-Middle East, the conference will discuss the Armenian Genocide from the perspective of international law and tackle issues such as professional ethics and genocide denial, the consequences of the Genocide and the rights of the Armenian nation within the context of international law, and means of further promoting  the field of Armenian Genocide Studies.

A number of scholars in genocide studies and experts in international law are invited for this two-day conference. They will be arriving from Armenia, Canada, Egypt, Ireland, Lebanon, England, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. The participants include professors and scholars Taner Akçam, Bilgin Ayata, Seyhan Bayraktar, Georges Charaf, Haik Demoyan, Richard Hovannissian, Khatchig Mouradian, Mohammad Rifaat, William Schabas, Roger Smith, Henry Theriault, Ugur Ungor, Ragip Zarakolu, and Alfred De Zayas.

The papers which will be presented during the four sessions of the Conference will cover:“The Problem of Minorities and Majorities: The Case of the Ottoman Empire”, “Demographic Engineering in the Ottoman Empire and the Armenian Genocide”, “The Armenian Question According to Arab Sources”, “Genocide and International Law  (60 Years after the Convention, Problems and Prospects)”, “The Armenian Genocide: Issues of Justice and International Law”, “The Armenians, Raphael Lemkin and the UN Genocide Convention”, “Turkish Nationalism and the Armenian Genocide Issue in Turkey Today”, “Genocide Denialism and Law in Turkey”, “The Evolution of the Armenian Genocide Denial in Turkish Press”, “Kurdish–Armenian Relations and the Armenian Genocide”, “Professional Ethics and the Denial of Armenian Genocide”, “Restorative Justice and Alleviating the Consequences of Genocide”, “Universalizing the Legacy of the Armenian Genocide”. The proceedings of the conference will be later published in a book.

Concurrently, on Thursday, September 3 and Friday, September 4, as well as on Tuesday, September 8 there will be evening  public lectures. Details will be announced later.

Haigazian University & Armenian National Committee-Middle East, Beirut-Lebanon, August 24, 2009

The Armenian Genocide and International Law
(September 3 - 4, 2009 )
Beirut -Lebanon

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

Formal Opening Session: 6:00 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Marios Garoyian, President of the House of Representatives - Cyprus

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

Registration: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Session One: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Moderator: Dr. Arda Ekmekji
Discussant: Dr. Naila Kaidbey

The problem of minorities and majorities: The case of the Ottoman Empire (in Arabic), Dr. Georges Charaf

Demographic engineering in the Ottoman Empire and the Armenian Genocide, Dr.Ugur Ungor

The Armenian Question according to arab sources (in Arabic), Dr. Mohammad Rifaat

Coffee Break: 10:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

Discussion: 10:50 -11:30 a.m.

Session Two: 11:40 a.m. – 1:20 p.m.
Moderator: Giro Manoyan
Discussant: Dr. Rania Masri

Genocide and International Law  (60 Years after the convention, problems and prospects), Dr. William Schabas

The Armenian Genocide: Issues of justice and International Law, Dr. Alfred De Zayas

The Armenians, Raphael Lemkin and the UN Genocide Convention, Khatchig Mouradian

Discussion: 12:40 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.

Lunch: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    
Session Three: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Moderator: Dr. Joseph Bayeh
Discussant: Dr. Ohannes Geokjian

Turkish nationalism and the Armenian Genocide issue in Turkey today, Dr. Taner Akcam

Genocide denialism and law in Turkey, Ragip Zarakolu

The evolution of the Armenian Genocide denial in Turkish press, Dr. Seyhan Bayraktar

Kurdish – Armenian relations and the Armenian Genocide,   Bilgin Ayata

Coffee Break: 4:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.

Discussion: 4:40 p.m.  – 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2009

Session Four: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Moderator: Antranig Dakessian
Discussant: Dr. Haig Demoyan

Professional ethics and the denial of Armenian Genocide, Dr. Roger Smith

Restorative justice and alleviating the consequences of Genocide, Dr. Henry Theriault

Universalizing the legacy of the Armenian Genocide, Dr. Richard Hovannissian

Coffee Break: 10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

Discussion: 10:50 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

CLOSING SESSION: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Website of Haigazian University
Website of the Armenian National Committee - Middle East